New survey figures published today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that, in New South Wales, almost 1.3 million people aged 15 to 64 had completed at least one training course in the 12 month period prior to the conduct of the survey (March to May 1997).

The figures in Education and Training Experience, Australia 1997 present a wide range of information about key aspects of education and training.This survey was partly funded by the Australian National Training Authority and the Department of Employment, Education, Training & Youth Affairs.

Key findings about educationin New South Wales are that:

53 per cent of men and 52 per cent of women held at least one post-school qualification;

9 per cent started, but did not complete, an educational qualification in the last 5 years;

80 per cent of wage and salary earners undertook some form of training in the 12 month period;

"No need" was the most commonly given reason by 43 per cent of those not undertaking study and by 51 per cent of those not undertaking training courses; and,

27 per cent intended to study for an educational qualification in the next three years.

Key findings about training courses completed in New South Wales in the 12 months prior to the survey include that:

the average time spent on training courses was 27 hours;

only 11 per cent incurred a cost to the participant, with the average cost being $314; and,

87 per cent of training courses undertaken while working were considered to have improved job performance.

The Survey also found that453,000 people in New South Wales enrolled to study for a post-school qualification in 1997 (excluding those aged 15 to 20 and still at secondary school). Of these;

19 per cent received financial support for that study from their employer, and 33 per cent received financial support from other sources; and,

more students enrolled part-time (198,500) than full-time (176,600).

Of the 224,600 people aged 15 to 20 and still at secondary school in New South Wales at the time of the survey:

10 per cent were undertaking TAFE accredited subjects; and,

88 per cent said that they intended to complete their schooling.

Education and Training Experience, Australia 1997 (cat. no. 6278.0) is available from ABS Bookshops. The summary of findings from the publication is available from this site.